Stellenbosch drop points, Pirates closing in

Stellenbosch FC only sit one point ahead of Orlando Pirates after playing to a goalless draw against AmaZulu on Wednesday night.

Stellies made only one change after their loss against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, as goalkeeper Sage Stephens was recalled.

AmaZulu, meanwhile, made four alterations after their defeat against Richards Bay, as Ethan Brooks, Tshepang Moremi, Junior Dion and Mbongeni Gumede were brought in.

The sides took their time on the ball in the opening exchanges and could not create clear-cut opportunities.

The game only came to life on the half-hour mark after Moremi came close for Usuthu with a shot from the edge of the box that missed narrowly wide.

Steve Barker's charges had the momentum towards the interval and on the stroke of half-time Fawaaz Basadien also came close with a free-kick that missed the top corner by inches over.

The home side had a bright start in the second stanza as five minutes from the break Iqraam Rayners had a good opportunity in the six-yard box but he was denied by shot-stopper Veli Mothwa.

The game opened up after the hour-mark but neither side was clinical in front of goal and with 15 minutes remaining, fresh legs were needed as George Maluleka replaced Brooks for Usuthu and Genino Palace replaced Andre de Jong up front for Stellies.

AmaZulu had the momentum in the dying minutes and Taariq Fielies had a chance in added time with a header that sailed over the crossbar from a set-piece.

In the end, the game ended all square, as the Western Cape, second on the log, saw their lead ahead of third-placed Orlando Pirates reduced to just one point. 

Confirmed line-ups:

Stellenbosch: Stephens, Toure, Moloisane, Van Rooyen, Basadien, Nduli, Adams, De Jong, Oura, Titus, Rayners

AmaZulu: Mothwa, Jooste, Hanamub, Mphahlele, Gumede, Motshwari, Brooks, Mbanjwa, Dion, Mulenga, Morema

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